Upgraded Thorens TD-160, $695 plus shipping

Why spend more to buy a refurbished Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?

Buying vintage electronic equipment on eBay can be a gamble. To better your chances at winning, you want two things: 1) Plenty of information about the auction item; and 2) A seller you can trust. When an Thorens turntable is refurbished by Vinyl Nirvana, it undergoes a multi-step inspection and tuning regimen. Ask another seller of a Thorens table on Ebay these questions and see if you can get a response…

Is the motor running silently? Any unhealthy bearing noise?

Is the spindle straight? Was the spindle cleaned of old belt residue, which can cause rumble?

Does the belt properly interface with the spindle on both 33 and 45 rpm?

Is the belt new or in near mint condition?

Is the proper length belt installed? (Differences of less than an inch can result in speed changes.)

Is the proper width belt installed? (Differences can result in belt slippage or faulty change of speed.)

Has the platter bearing been inspected? Is it straight, true, and without significant wear?

Has the platter bearing well been inspected? Was it cleaned of old grease and contaminants? Was it properly lubed with appropriate oil?

Is the tonearm functioning properly? Any significant side-to-side motion, which can adversely affect tracking? Is range of motion appropriate? Is anti-skate functioning? Is appropriate tonearm weight installed?

Was all wiring beneath the turntable inspected? Were worn solder joints re-soldered?

What is the condition of the AC cord? The interconnect cable?

Are springs in good working condition? Have worn springs been replaced? Has spring suspension been tuned? (This is an art learned through having set up dozens of these tables.)

Was the speed checked by strobodisc at 33 and 45 rpm?

Was headshell inspected? Is there any stripping? Do the cartridge screws hold tight? Are the leads brittle?

Is the tonearm rest original? Is it functioning properly?

Is a proper mat installed?

Is the base intact? Are the rubber feet intact?

If a Thorens table fails to pass any of the above inspections, Vinyl Nirvana corrects the problem before it gets listed. If the turntable is unsellable due to too many defects, it becomes a parts unit to be used in the restoration of other Thorens units. In addition to this multi-step inspection, each turntable is thoroughly detailed with appropriate cleaners. The average cleaning takes up to two hours. Though the tables Vinyl Nirvana sells will vary cosmetically, they will always be clean. Can you trust Vinyl Nirvana as a seller? Please read our ebay feedback (username ddarch44)regarding sales of turntables. See our testimonial page.

This Week’s Thorens TD-160 w/ new Rega (Moth) RB-301

The Thorens TD-160 was my first “audiophile” turntable, so it holds a special place in my heart. Everything about this table says quality, from the well-machined drive platter to the fit-n-finish of the levers. Best of all, this table is built to last…my wager is it’ll outlive most of its owners.

Cosmetically, this table is a solid 7.5 on a scale of 1-10. (I’m a hard rater.) The real wood veneer is in very good shape. There are small areas of light wear on the corners. In addition, there is one “ding” in the right front that appears worse in the photos due to the dark grain surrounding it. The metal portion of the plinth is also in very good condition with some light scratching in two places and one “dimple.” See photos.

In terms of upgrades, I have replaced the stock TP-16 tonearm with a new Rega (Moth) RB-301. The 301 appears in most stereo mags as an incredible audio value. I heartily agree. If you have never compared the RB-301 to the older RB-300, it features a 3-point mount which adds more stability and a much beefier/better quality rca cable. The arm and custom armboard are a $400+ value!

A new felt mat and upgrade feet were installed. A stock Thorens dustcover is supplied in very good condition. Several light scratches and some scuffing, but no cracks.

Overall, this is an attractive table priced to reflect the described cosmetic issues. It comes with with a serious arm capable of handling cartridges in the $500 to $1000 range with ease. I would be happy to mount any cartridge for the new owner for $30. If I install the cartridge, it makes set-up incredibly easy for set-up.

Ding in right front. (Looks worse in photos due to dark grain in area.)

The Details

The shipping included price is for the lower 48 states only. This table will be packed like it is a fragile pane of glass. I simply care too much for these tables to just shove them in a box. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes. and bubble wrap. I prefer Fedex Ground. Lastly, I am truly not in this for the money. What I love best is introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there.

Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only.